COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho Pride Alliance’s annual Pride in the Park celebration is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Coeur d’Alene City Park.

The free event is meant to build “a stronger and more unified community for all,” according to NIPA. There will be food, entertainment and space for community resources and local businesses to share information. 

“Pride in the Park has become a tradition here in Coeur d’Alene,” said Dr. Sarah Lynch, executive director of North Idaho Pride Alliance. “For many LGBTQIA+ youth and adults, being able to see their community represented and affirmed and celebrated is life changing and it can be lifesaving.” 

More than 2,500 people from across the Inland Northwest attended last year. Lynch said this year’s celebration is shaping up to be even bigger, with more vendors, volunteers and community sponsors than ever. 

“We’re expecting a record turnout,” she said. 

Lynch said she believes the event’s continued growth shows that North Idaho cares about the LGBTQ+ community. 

“LGBTQIA+ people have always contributed to Idaho’s prosperity,” she said. “We’re interwoven into the fabric of this community.” 

Lynch said Pride in the Park gives the region’s LGBTQ+ community and an opportunity to connect with each other and with allies. 

“To everyone LGBTQIA+ person in North Idaho, we want you to know that you are seen, you belong and you deserve to thrive here in our community,” she said. “That’s what Pride is all about.” 

Pride in the Park kicks off the CDA4Pride campaign, a monthlong series of events, activities and education opportunities for all ages to raise awareness and build community. 

Other Pride events this month: 

June 11 

CDA4Pride MOD Pizza fundraiser: Joint NIPA for a Pride pizza party at MOD Pizza in Coeur d’Alene. For every pizza sold, NIPA will receive 25% of the proceeds. 

June 15 

Queer and ally blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Human Rights Education Institute, 414 W. Fort Grounds Drive. Donate blood and receive a gift card for the donation. Donors do not need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

June 26 

Pride on the Runway, an evening of fashion, drag performances, music and festivities to benefit NIPA. The event is for people aged 21 or older. Purchase tickets on NIPA’s website, www.nipridealliance.com.